If you’re intending to pursue your studies in a foreign land you should be well-prepared to blend into the culture equally! RocApply is committed to answering most of your uncertainties concerning the everyday life of the Congolese people right on this guide! Let us take you through!
Cultural nuggets!
- "Hello Sir/Madam" is how you should address someone the first time you meet and you can even shake hands. However, it is best to wait until your superior extends their hand. The first conversation can be weaved around names. People may not tell you their name if you do not ask for it, but it is always best to first give your name.
- Congolese will often ask things such as "How is your family? How are your children?" and they will not be offended if you ask if they are from the same area. Yet, at least when meeting them for the very first time, insisting on their ethnic origins may be badly perceived.
- Congolese joke around a lot, but humour may be a source of conflict for foreigners for the simple reason that it’s not always universal. Avoid giving people nicknames as people prefer to be called by their actual names, unless they have given you permission to call them by some other name.
- With the exception of authorities, people here often touch one another and talk quite frankly. Too much praise may not be well accepted in the end, but compliments are always welcome.
- Constant eye contact can intimidate the person with whom you are speaking and may be seen being rude, particularly when speaking with superiors. However, in order to show that you are paying attention, you should look at the person’s face every now and then atleast at some point of the conversation. Generally, there is no set protocol here everything can vary depending on the moment and how people are feeling.
- Affection between partners or parental love is often discreet - however, emotions such as anger or happiness are openly expressed in public.
- It is rare that people talk about the weather unless they are discussing a particular situation such as a torrential rain. In the Congo, people say what they are feeling in general.
The best way to immerse yourself into the Congolese culture is by experiencing it first-hand. All you have between you and the country are just a few clicks here on our website. Proceed to the APPLICATION page today and book a vacancy in advance to one of the thriving academic institutions in the DRC! Remember it’s all for free!!
" Its a place to be" - Martin from Canada
